Aosta, the regional capital, with its 34,000 inhabitants, is the only city in the Aosta Valley. It stretches across a broad plain in the center of the Alpine region, surrounded by high mountains, including the Grand Combin and Mont Vélan to the north, Mont Emilius and Becca di Nona to the south, and Testa del Rutor to the west.

The city arose at the confluence of the Dora Baltea River and the Buthier stream, as well as at the intersection of two historic routes leading to France and Switzerland via the Alpine passes of the Little St. Bernard and the Great St. Bernard. Today, it is also accessible through the Mont Blanc and Great St. Bernard tunnels.

It is also worth noting that Aosta is a transit point along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, which in the Aosta Valley descends from the Great St. Bernard Pass and continues along the central valley to Pont-Saint-Martin.

Exceptional Roman remains are still well preserved, as are medieval masterpieces housing prestigious works of art. Must-see landmarks include:

• The iconic Arch of Augustus and the Porta Praetoria, one of the best-preserved gates of the Roman world.
• The Roman Theatre, now used for events and open-air performances, and the Cryptoporticus, an underground Roman structure with a striking atmosphere.
• The Cathedral and the Collegiate Church of Saint Ursus, which house medieval artworks such as 11th-century frescoes in the attic, floor mosaics, and the wooden choir. The Cathedral also features a treasury museum, while Saint Ursus boasts a stunning cloister with intricately carved capitals.
• The Early Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo, built to house the tombs of the first bishops of Aosta, located beneath the deconsecrated Church of San Lorenzo, now an art exhibition venue.
• The MAR – Regional Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical building with archaeological collections and important temporary exhibitions.
• The megalithic area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe.

The Aosta Valley is renowned not only for its natural beauty and its rich artistic and cultural heritage but also for its food and wine traditions. Local products are highly appreciated, both by residents—who see them as a symbol of their cultural identity—and by the many tourists who visit each year to enjoy a memorable stay. These typical products reflect the deep cultural bond between the people and their land, showcasing the best of what this region can offer, combined with the ancient wisdom and craftsmanship of the Valdostan people.

Among the many traditional products the region is known for, here are a few that are definitely worth tasting to fully understand the spirit of this enchanting northern Italian region—and to appreciate its aromas, flavors, and fragrances:

CHEESES: The cheeses of the Aosta Valley are especially prized, whether fresh or aged. Most famous is Fontina, internationally renowned and produced in the valley since the 1400s, along with Formadzo, a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product.

HONEY: An ancient staple of the local community, honey is still produced using traditional methods, preserving its original taste and nutritional qualities.

FRUIT: From the sun-drenched orchards of the Aosta Valley come mountain-grown apples and pears, with vibrant colors, intense fragrances, and fine, juicy pulp.

PAN NER (Black Bread): This traditional and flavorful bread has earned recognition as a traditional agri-food product thanks to the enduring legacy of its ancient baking practices.

GENEPY: A liqueur of ancient origin, Genepy has a pleasant taste and is known for its digestive and balsamic properties.